Optically driven self-assembled quantum dots are a leading candidate for
next generation quantum computers because of their high speed and potential
for relatively compact design. In this approach, each dot is charged with a
single electron (or hole) whose spin serves as the quantum bit (``qubit'').
We present our recent experimental results demonstrating qubit
initialization, rotation through a stimulated Raman excitation, and optical
readout, as well as a geometric phase gate. Optically induced coupling
between the dots through the negatively charged exciton should allow for the
critical entangling operations and for conditional two-qubit gates.
Conditional gates combined with single qubit gates form the building blocks
from which any quantum computing algorithm can be constructed.

*Supported by ARO, DARPA, AFOSR, ONR, NSA/LPS, NSF, IARPA

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2010.MAR.H26.9